The purpose of the Acoustical Society of America is to increase the knowledge of acoustics and to promote its practical applications. Established in 1929, the present membership includes leaders in acoustics worldwide. Diverse fields of interest in acoustics include physics, engineering, architecture, noise, oceanography, biology, speech and hearing, psychology and music. For more infomation, visit the ASA Home Page.

Do you want to participate in the development of national and international standards on acoustics, vibration, bioacoustics, animal bioacoustics, noise, electroacoustics, or underwater acoustics? Contact ASA to learn how you and your organization can become involved.

There is a close linkage between international standards committees and their national counterparts. Usually, the US members of ISO or IEC working groups will have contributed significantly to the International Standard. In many cases, there is no reason to have a unique American National Standard and often industry really demands that there be one standard or one test that is acceptable worldwide. In these cases the American National Standards Developer may elect to "nationally adopt" the International Standard so that it becomes an American National Standard as well.

National adoptions may be identical or modified. (Documents that have been modified include the letters "MOD" in their designation.) In this case, national deviations are clearly called out in the text and explained. In some identical national adoptions, there even may be some additional content that is purely informative for US users.

In most cases, adoptions are identical meaning the document you purchase has 100% of the content of the International Standard – just at a significantly lower price.

Individual members of the Acoustical Society of America are eligible to receive electronic (PDF) copies of 5 American National Standards free each year. Obtaining this member benefit couldn't be easier. When you use the store the first time you will identify yourself as an ASA member during checkout by entering your ASA member number. Your first order will be manually processed so that your membership can be confirmed. (This will mean there is a slight delay before your standards are delivered.) Once that is done your free standard will be delivered via an email link. For the rest of the membership year your membership status will be known. The first 5 American National Standards you purchase in PDF format will be delivered at no cost.

This year, for the first time, we are able to make Nationally Adopted International Standards available to members at a limited cost of $35 plus tax, in lieu of one of the 5 free standards.